Noise barrage, black ribbons ‘welcome’ anti-human rights HS principa

June 15, 2010

Youth group Anakbayan joined students, parents, and alumni of the Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) in a protest today against the return of a former principal.

The principal, Zenaida Sadsad, suspended four QCSHS students last year after the latter criticized her in their internet blogs. She was then removed from her position due to the public uproar against the suspensions. However, she was reinstated as the head of the same school several weeks ago.

“Is ‘human rights violator’ now part of the job description for public school principals in our country? Because this is the message the Dept. of Education is sending with its reinstatement of Sadsad” said Anakbayan national vice-chairperson and QCSHS alumnus Anton Dulce .

He said the disgraced school official abused her powers when she ordered the suspension of the four bloggers.

“How can someone ignorant of something as basic as the Constitutional right to freedom of speech be qualified to head an educational institution?” quipped Dulce.

He noted that the suspensions are only the ‘tip of the iceberg’.

“There are many allegations of corruption against her, as well as a wide range of complaints from current and former QCSHS students who were under her regime. But she has successfully intimidated students and teachers from even just speaking out against her” said the youth leader.

While alumni, parents, and sympathizers held a noise barrage outside the school’s gates, many students pinned black ribbons on their uniforms as a sign of solidarity with the action outside.

“Despite the atmosphere of fear she has installed, all sectors of our high school community will continue to defy her illegitimate rule”

Meanwhile, Dulce criticized the Department of Education for claiming that Sadsad would not be allowed to reclaim her old post in a dialogue with students, faculty, and alumni.

Last May 17, concerned alumni, students, and faculty trooped to the DepEd’s Division Office in Quezon City for a dialogue regarding the return of Sadsad. According to DepEd official Dr. Cacanindin, there was “no truth” to the then-circulating rumors of the reinstatement.

“Ang magnanakaw ay kapatid ng sinungaling. If the corruption allegations against Sadsad are true, then we shouldn’t wonder why they lied to us about her return. They probably take a cut from whatever funds have been messed around with” he said. ###